Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets corner back Darrelle Revis (24) runs off the field after a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Pittsburgh Steelers sign Darrelle Revis?

After fielding a mediocre pass defense last season, the Steelers should consider adding Darrelle Revis to improve the secondary in 2017.

It’s no secret that the Steelers pass defense will need to drastically improve if they hope to win a title in 2017. If you need proof, go watch the replay of the beat down the Patriots handed them in last season’s AFC Championship game. Tom Brady torched them all game, as he threw for nearly 400 yards and 3 touchdowns..

Unless the secondary makes significant strides, the team will most likely face a similar fate this season.

To the dismay of fans, Pittsburgh didn’t make any splashy moves to bolster their secondary in free agency. However, they did address that area by signing veteran corner Coty Sensabaugh. The team also added youth to the secondary by using their third-round pick to select Cameron Sutton out of Tennessee. Sutton can play both corner and safety, though he is expected to be utilized primarily as a corner.

The off-season additions will add depth and create competition in the cornerback room. The anticipated development of 2016 rookies Artie Burns and Sean Davis should also help to improve Steelers pass defense in 2017.

Tom Brady throws a pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Steelers Photo by: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Will the improvements be good enough to slow down Tom Brady’s high-powered offense, or any other elite passing attack?

In today’s NFL, half of the starting quarterbacks throw for 4,00o-plus yards every season. Because the league has become so pass-heavy, teams can never have too many quality cornerbacks on a roster — which is why the Steelers should consider signing Darrelle Revis.

Revis is a Pittsburgh native, and played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh. The free agent corner stated “it would be a dream come true” to play for his hometown Steelers this season.

The former Jet would provide a good fit for a team that would like to play more man defense this season. The question is, how much does the 31-year old have left in the tank?

A noticeable drop in play has resulted in a lack of interest in Revis, though his decline has been overstated. He may not be the elite player he once was, but he remains a starting-caliber NFL cornerback. The five-time All-Pro would still provide value to a team if need of secondary help.

There have been rumors that Revis is mulling retirement, but a report has surfaced that he intends to play in 2017. The report highlights that he is currently training in Florida and has every intention of playing this upcoming season.

If Revis is willing to play for a reasonable price, the Steelers would be foolish not to take a flyer on him. He would undoubtedly provide a boost to a pass defense that ranked 16th in the league last season.